ARIZONA

Nothing quite prepared me for the sophisticated luxury and superb fine dining at Tucson’s only four-star resort. The moment you check in to Casino Del Sol Resort you are greeted by friendly and professional employees, all with a genuine smile who are trained in the subtle ways of luxury service.

“Take me back to Camelback,” has been our mantra ever since cruising home to Los Angeles after a recent visit to Scottsdale, Arizona. We recently enjoyed two relaxing nights at J.W. Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa, and set on 125 acres of Sonoran Desert in the affluent Paradise Valley.

Every January, new world records are set in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area during the many major collector car auctions that take place. In Scottsdale in 2013 a 1958 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider sold for a record-breaking $8.25 million at Gooding & Co.’s sale. Likewise, RM Auctions set another milestone with the sale of a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Competizione for $8.14 million on the same day.

Upon enteringSedona Rouge Hotel & Spa, it is clear that it isfocused on the details, from design to customer experience, positioning itself as a popular four-diamond destination in Arizona. With award-winning cuisine, a luxurious spa, and the majestic red-rock formations, Sedona Rouge is just the place to get back to basics and balance the mind, body and soul.

I was expecting The Boulders, a Waldorf Astoria Resort in Carefree, Arizona to have something to do with rocks. Massive 12-million-year-old hillsides of boulders thoughtfully designed into a luxurious and tranquil desert oasis, however, completely exceeded all of my expectations. On a recent stay and visit to the spa, I easily determined why locals and visitors from afar cherish such a special retreat.

When Arizona temperatures sizzle, the Hotel Valley Ho's Cafe ZuZu satisfies reduced appetites with its most popular light menu option: the Tuscan Kale Salad. Under the direction of Chef Charles Wiley — recognized as one of America’s best hotel chefs by the James Beard Foundation and Food & Wine Magazine — ZuZu’s seasonal American-fare menu features the kale salad among other standouts, including seared Ahi sliders, roasted tomato and goat cheese casserole, and the always-popular Zuzu Burger with Virginia Bacon, balsamic onions and Maytag blue cheese. ... Read More

In the heart of Sedona, Arizona lies the Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa, a Four-Diamond luxury hotel full of charm and history. Spanish kings ruled over the land years ago, and with that same level of superior sensibility, the Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa has created a modern day retreat fit for royalty. The hotel is only minutes away from Red Rock Country and hundreds of acres of Coconino National Forest.... Read More

In conjunction with its 25th anniversary, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is planning to undergo an extensive, $60 million renovation that will include changes to its dining concepts, meeting spaces, exterior and interior design, and spa experience. General Manager of the Fairmont... Read More

After a four year absence, The Phoenician, Arizona’s premier AAA Five Diamond destination has announced that Frank Belosic is returning to the luxury property as executive chef. In his new role, the award-winning chef will oversee menu creation and preparation for restaurants including Il Terrazzo, Relish Burger Bistro, the Café and Ice Cream Parlor and the Afternoon Tea Court, in addition to catering and banquet events as well as other operations. “We are thrilled to welcome Chef Belosic back to The Phoenician,” said Managing Director Mark Vinciguerra. “His inventive style, a unique blend of palatable exuberance and contemporary sophistication, is matched by his dedication to sustainability and... Read More

To help attract more visitors and give reiners of all experience levels a chance to compete, The Scottsdale Classic has added a slew of new awards and events to its schedule. Though the event is ending soon, the fact that it has only grown since its inception shows that it will be around as a great Scottsdale event for years to come.... Read More

The Arizona desert is acclaimed for its prestigious resorts, but The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa just may top them all. Sweeping mountains, beautiful skies and proximity to Scottsdale make The Westin Kierland a premier resort destination for those looking to get away and soak up a little luxury in the desert sun.

If bourbon and cigars are your idea of a perfect pair, then Arizona’s Talking Stick Resort should be on your list of destinations. The luxury resort is the proud owner of its own specialty bourbon, the Woodford Reserve Talking Stick Resort Personal Selection Bourbon, to be exact... Read More

A street in Scottsdale, Arizona, that is brimming with high-end shopping and art galleries, the Marshall Way Arts District has some of the Southwest’s best contemporary and modern art and, as such, it is a wonderful place to both browse t... Read More

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